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A dream destination for travellers, Thailand never seems to disappoint. Offering a rich mix of history, culture, and attractions, Thailand turns your holidays into a memorable experience. Among many historical gems, Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya stands out the most mainly because of its stunning architecture. Built in 1630, the temple reflects Thailand’s glorious past, especially during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Besides the ancient charm, the temple exudes a magical aura at sunset when the golden light adorns the structure. To witness something so unique is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So, if you plan a trip to Thailand, make sure to have Wat Chaiwatthanaram in your itinerary.
Quick Details
Wat Chaiwatthanaram Address:, 31 1 Ban Pom, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District
Wat Chaiwatthanaram Timings: 8 AM – 6:30 PM
Wat Chaiwatthanaram Ticket Price: 50 THB for foreigners; 10 THB for Thai nationals
Nearest Airport: Suvarnabhumi Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Ayutthaya Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: November to February
About Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Photo: เฉลิม อัชชมานะ / Wikimedia Commons
Nestled along the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Chaiwatthanaram temple is a remarkable historical site. The temple is located inside the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed by King Prasat Thong in 1630, the temple is a tribute to his mother and features a unique architectural style of the Ayutthaya period.
One of the most striking features is the towering central prang which is influenced by Khmer design. Symbolising Mount Meru, a sacred mountain in Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, it is surrounded by four smaller prangs. You can check out Wat Chaiwatthanaram photos to get a better idea. Back in the day, Wat Chaiwatthanaram was a significant temple, but it fell into oblivion after the Burmese invaded in 1767. Even though much of the temple was destroyed, it still holds its importance even today.
Things To Do At Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Visiting Wat Chaiwatthanaram is all about exploration and trying exciting things. To make your visit worthwhile, don’t miss these activities.
1. Take A Guided Tour
Photo: Kirandeep Singh Walia / Pexels
Located in Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is a fascinating structure that is inspired by Angkor Wat. Your visit is incomplete unless you explore each and every corner of the temple. For the best experience, you should hire a guide, who will take you through the temple’s intricate stucco designs, and the central prang. While exploring the temple, you can see the well-planned layout and beautiful courtyards that adds to its appeal.
Best Time To Visit: November To February
2. Experience The Magic Of Sunrise And Sunset
Photo: Lisa Tancsics / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Wat Chaiwatthanaram is known to offer an unforgettable experience, especially at sunrise or sunset. This is one of the many reasons people are drawn to the temple. During sunrise, you will witness the temple glow in soft, golden light that creates an almost mystical atmosphere. In the evening, the temple’s silhouette looks extraordinary as the fading light paints the sky with hues of pink and orange. This is the perfect time to meditate or soak in the peaceful surroundings.
Timings: 8 AM – 6:30 PM
3. Enjoy A Riverside Picnic
Photo: Francesco Bandarin / Wikimedia Commons
With the Chao Phraya River nearby, you have the perfect excuse to organise a picnic with your family and loved ones. After exploring the temple, you can sit by the river and enjoy the natural beauty of the site. Pack your favourite foods, so you can have a leisurely meal with a stunning view. Afterwards, take a stroll through the temple grounds and appreciate the serene surroundings.
Location: Ban Pom, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Places To Visit Around Wat Chaiwatthanaram
Wat Chaiwatthanaram Ayutthaya is surrounded by many popular attractions that are a must-visit for travellers. To make your day even more eventful, you can check out the nearest ones.
1. Ayutthaya Floating Market
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
A short drive from the temple helps you to reach the Ayutthaya Floating Market which is popular for its picturesque and vibrant atmosphere. Set on the water, you can access the market on small boats and shop for a variety of goods like sweets, fruits, handicrafts, souvenirs, and clothing. Besides that, you can enjoy elephant rides, cultural shows, and the artistry of local craftsmen.
Distance From Wat Chaiwatthanaram: 9.3 km
Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
2. Chao Sam Phraya National Museum
Photo: Iudexvivorum / Wikimedia Commons
Located a short distance away from Wat Chaiwatthanaram, you can easily drive to the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. Housing numerous ancient pieces, this place is perfect for the history nerds. Here, you will find treasures that have been unearthed from various places within the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Most of the artefacts, including the images, gold jewellery, belong from the 14th and 18th centuries.
Distance From Wat Chaiwatthanaram: 5.4 km
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
3. Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit
Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote / Wikimedia Commons
An active temple, Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit is located within the Ayutthaya Historical Park. The main attraction of the temple is the large Buddha statue that is made entirely of bronze. As per records, the statue belongs from the Ayutthaya period, but has been restored several times in the past. Besides the statue, the temple offers a calm ambience that is perfect for those who want some peace.
Distance From Wat Chaiwatthanaram: 3.7 km
Timings: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Max Vakhtbovycn / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
When visiting Wat Chaiwatthanaram, you don’t have to worry about finding accommodation. From homestays to hotels and resorts, there’s a suitable option for every person and budget. Some of the top-rated stays that are preferred by travellers include Vanida Resort, Athithara Homestay, and The Park Ayutthaya Resort and Spa. These accommodations are located near the temple and offer all the amenities needed.
Where To Eat
Photo: Life Of Pix / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The area around Wat Chaiwatthanaram is surrounded by several eateries that serve both veg and non-veg food. From Pad Thai to Som Tam and Khao Pad, you will find a variety of traditional Thai dishes to try. Some of the famous restaurants that visitors go to include Ruay Goong Pao, Salapao Ko Ti, The Summer House Ayutthaya, and Raan Tha Luang.
Other Tips To Consider
Photo: Suraphat Nuea-on / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Here are a few things that will help you squeeze the most out of your visit to the temple.
Average Cost Of The Trip
A trip to Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Thailand, costs approximately $50–$150 per person, depending on travel style. Entry is around 50 THB ($1.50). Budget travelers can spend $10–$20 on food and transport, while guided tours range from $30–$80. A mid-range visit, including meals, transport, and souvenirs, costs $80–$150. Staying overnight in Ayutthaya adds $20–$50 for accommodation. Costs vary based on transportation mode—self-guided trips are cheaper, while private tours offer convenience at a higher price.
Tips For Travellers
- Exploring the temple extensively can take 1-2 hours. So, make sure to carry drinking water to keep yourself hydrated.
- Instead of a day trip, you should visit the temple in the morning or in the evening. Also, confirm Wat Chaiwatthanaram timings, so you can plan everything accordingly.
- If you are driving to the temple from a far-off location, use a GPS to find the directions. Just type in Wat Chaiwatthanaram address into the GPS and you are good to go.
- Hire an English-speaking guide, so you can learn about the temple without language barriers.
- To travel and explore the sites within the area, rent a bicycle. It costs only 50 THB to get a bicycle for a few hours.
Witnessing an ancient temple like Wat Chaiwatthanaram is full of experiences and memories. Whether you explore the site in a group or solo, expect to be awed by the stunning architecture and the rich history that still means a lot to people. If you need help with your itinerary, you have TripXL to assist you in planning a perfect trip.
Cover Photo: Average trinmo / Wikimedia Commons
